Last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, St. John Maron Church on Wehrle Ave. was transformed into a taste of the Mediterranean thanks to the 14th annual Lebanese Festival.

Spinach Pies

Homemade Grape Leaves

Some of the tastiest and freshest ethnic foods I’ve experienced at the countless festivals this summer were served up by the men and women of the parish, including tabouli, falafel, chicken and beef kabobs, spinach pies, kibbe, stuffed grape leaves, hummus and the desserts-- baklava and mamool cookies.

Cooking fresh pita bread

Fresh Lebanese flat bread was made to order and cooked in the traditional way, on a sajj, a large concave oven. Lebanese music and dancing, tours of the church, games of chance, a bounce house and gift shop all added to the cultural flavor of the event.
Kudos to the hard-working folks who put on one of the best festivals in the area and kept the outdoor tent areas clean and inviting as we dined al fresco in this incredible summer weather.

MamoulLebanese Filled Cookies

Preparing the
Kafta Sandwich

Speaking of memorable summer temperatures, have you noticed how many patio dining areas have sprung up or been enlarged? Like many of you, I like to soak up as many moments as possible in the great outdoors and that includes eating outside whenever possible. Some of my favorite patio places to have a cocktail or a full meal include: Amici’s in Kenmore, Protocol and Tandoori in Williamsville, Salvatore’s new patio in Depew, Bada Bing in downtown Buffalo and The Blue Lantern in Elma.

"Our guests take full advantage of patio dining since there are only a few months to really enjoy being outside. It doesn't matter that we aren't a restaurant that sits on the waterfront, it's the fact that having a cocktail or a glass of wine and enjoying your dinner outside that is appealing, right here in Elma,” said Donna Pease, who owns the Blue Lantern with her husband, Tom.

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